Support for Manchester digital creative and tech SMEs

Business Growth Hub has announced a partnership with Creative England and technology enterprise hub The Landing to boost support for Greater Manchester’s digital, creative and technology SMEs.

The new partnership, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), will offer SMEs within the sector help to develop products and access new supply chains and markets.

Creative England is a creative industries accelerator which works with companies in film, TV, games and digital media.

Brands within its media network include BBC, Microsoft, and Disney and will work with the Hub through ProConnect, a three-year partnership funded by ERDF and the British Film Institute, to support the growth of Greater Manchester’s creative industries.

Ian MacArthur, Business Growth Hub’s head of sectors programme said: “With the rapid acceleration of the digital, creative and technology industries in today’s marketplace and the abundance of creative talent in Greater Manchester, the need for a comprehensive support structure to drive innovation is more important than ever.

“These partnerships offer an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and experience, giving businesses the platform to innovate and succeed in this vibrant sector.

“It is an exciting time to be a part of the digital, creative, and tech space and I look forward to seeing what businesses in Greater Manchester can achieve with the extensive support they now have available to them.”

Kaye Elliott, Creative England’s deputy director of regional partnerships at, said: "We're excited to be working with the Hub and The Landing to provide specialist support to creative and digital companies in Greater Manchester.

“The region is a major creative hub with these industries generating £3bn for the economy every year. With so much activity it's vital we support the next generation of digital and creative companies to grow.

“The three year, ERDF-backed ProConnect programme we've launched in partnership with Business Growth Hub will grow companies working in film and television in the area and we look forward to working on other initiatives with our new partners."

Maya Dibley, The Landing’s head of programmes and partnerships, said: “We’ve recognised that there is a need in Greater Manchester for specialist and advanced technical support for businesses who are ready to take their growth to the next level, and optimise their products and processes.

“We’re excited to help bring new technology to wider markets, and we’re delighted that the European Regional Development Fund and Business Growth Hub is supporting us to do that.”